Talisman Mainstage
Talisman Mainstage
The Talisman offers nine main stage productions every year at our Kenilworth based theatre. We produce shows from across a wide spectrum of different genres and styles, offering a thrilling, vibrant evening in the theatre.
Our reputation means that we attract dynamic directors and top local actors to our stage. We also welcome visiting companies to enhance our programme.
Each season brings something for everyone, including Comedy, Murder and Mystery, Thrillers and the Classics alongside Musicals and our ever-popular family Pantomime.
Check out our What’s On pages regularly to ensure you don’t miss out on these amazing shows.
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
20th December 2024 - 4th January 2025
Laughter, magic, and family fun!
Get ready for a magical adventure as we bring the classic tale of ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ to life in a hilarious and heartwarming pantomime production.
Join Jack, his larger-than-life mother, Dame Trott and his many friends as they climb the beanstalk and encounter the world of Giant Blunderbore.
With laughter, music, and plenty of surprises, this timeless story is a treat for the whole family. Get your tickets now and be part of the enchantment!
by Stephen Duckham
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK - RELAXED PERFORMANCE
Wednesday 1st January 2025
The Talisman Theatre are proud to present its first relaxed performance of this year’s pantomime ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’.
This performance will be dedicated to creating a welcoming and more ‘relaxed’ environment for families or individuals with sensory needs and other visible and hidden disabilities.
Experience the inclusive magic of panto with adjustments to ensure a comfortable and accessible theatre visit for all.
Please select ‘More Info’ below for additional details for this performance.
PRESENT LAUGHTER
Monday 10th - Saturday 15th February 2025
A hilarious glimpse into the lives of the rich and famous!
Peek behind the curtain as Noël Coward’s ‘Present Laughter’ comes to the Talisman stage.
Successful and self-obsessed matinee idol Garry Essendine (based on Coward himself) is beset by a host of problems and larger-than-life characters as he prepares for a theatrical tour of Africa. This stylish, farcical comedy sees Garry try to navigate the chaos whilst avoiding the pitfalls of fame and fortune.
Set in the early 1940s and featuring a stellar Talisman cast, come and join us for a night of fun and laughter!
OLIVER TWIST - THE PLAY
Thursday 13th - Saturday 15th March 2025
The Dickens classic, but not as you know it!
Delve into the murky underbelly of Victorian Britain with Dickens’ irresistible portrayal of poverty, crime and cruelty.
This classic story tells of young orphan Oliver’s arrival in London, where he soon falls under the influence of Fagin, a gang of young thieves, and the irrepressible Artful Dodger.
With a story much truer to the original, Guy Williams’ adaptation of the beloved novel differs dramatically from the musical version, portraying a darker, more realistic view of 19th-century London.
Featuring engaging performances from a talented youth cast, this theatrical experience is sure to leave you wanting more!
ENCHANTED APRIL
Monday 14th - Saturday 19th April 2025
Rediscover laughter and romance in the Italian sunshine
Winter, 1922. With the tragedy of the Great War a recent memory, Britain finds itself dealing with loss and change at all levels of society.
Lotty and Rose, middle-class housewives with all too middle-class lifestyles, are stuck in comfortable but lacklustre marriages. When the opportunity arises to travel abroad without their husbands for a month, the pair enlist two other ladies and embark on a trip that sees them swapping their grey, urban lives for the idyllic serenity of a rented Italian castle.
Join us amidst the sunshine and wisterias in this joyously life-affirming tale, sure to leave you positively glowing.
FRANKENSTEIN
Monday 19th - Saturday 24th May 2025
The classic tale, with a bold new twist!
This fast-paced, reimagined version of the famous gothic novel is brought to life by Mary Shelley herself!
Immerse yourself in this modern take on a classic tale as the author guides you through Victor Frankenstein’s early life, his quest to discover the essence of being, and the birth of his terrifying creation.
Featuring energetic, physical performances, watch as the Monster is encouraged to reason through his actions while we learn both the tragic consequences of Frankenstein’s folly and a little about how Shelley created this ground-breaking tale.
Don’t miss this starkly beautiful, thought-provoking adaptation that blurs the line between creator and creation.
THE MIRROR CRACK'D
Monday 23rd - Saturday 28th June 2025
Unravel the mystery in this fast-paced whodunnit.
The Talisman is proud to be one of the first theatres to stage ‘The Mirror Crack’d’, a fresh interpretation of the 1962 novel by Agatha Christie.
Written in 2023 by acclaimed West End playwright Rachel Wagstaff, the stage play captures the murderous events that take place at Gossington Hall, home of famous Hollywood darling, Marina Gregg. After a party thrown by the star to celebrate her recent purchase of the manor house, local residents are shocked to find that murder has come to their beloved sleepy village.
Determined to discover the truth, Miss Marple sets her cap to find out what happened and why.
Join us for this gripping tale that explores the power of memories and how people are shaped by them.
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED)
Monday 25th - Saturday 30th August 2025
It’s Shakespeare as you’ve never seen it before!
What’s in a name? Is brevity really the soul of wit? And can three guys really cover thirty-seven Shakespeare plays in less than two hours?
This fast-firing adaptation of the Bard’s works does just that, as it parodies all of Shakespeare’s plays (plus the sonnets!) with only three performers in two acts. Packed with high-energy antics and smart use of costume, this frenetic, clever and contemporary comedy will have you engaged throughout.
Don’t miss this unique and immensely enjoyable performance.
EMMA
Saturday 27th September - Saturday 4th October 2025
Matchmaking mischief leads to unexpected love.
Join us at the Talisman as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth with this world premiere adaptation of Andrew Davies’ film version of ‘Emma’.
As a rich and clever young woman, Emma Woodhouse has no shortage of would-be suitors, whether it be the amorous Mr Elton, the dashing Frank Churchill or the down-to-earth Mr Knightly.
Emma, however, is more interested in finding a match for her friend Harriet, until her actions have some unexpected consequences.
Lovers of Jane Austen will not be disappointed by this classic romantic comedy, written in the best Andrew Davies style and brought to life in true Talisman fashion.
ROBINSON CRUSOE
19th December 2025 to 3rd January 2026
Set sail for adventure!
Prepare for a hilarious, magical journey in this year’s pantomime production.
When Robinson and his brother find a treasure map, there’s nothing for it but to set off in search of their fortune on a faraway island.
Their travels take them to the mysterious Skull Valley, encountering a host of comical characters along the way.
Laughter and music awaits in this swashbuckling voyage across (and below) the waves.
Get your tickets now and join the fun!
